Anesthesiologist explains why preoperative fasting is necessary

this Dr. Elena Casado Pineda, anesthetist Known for her presence on social networks, she posted a Videos on TikTok In two minutes he explains why we must keep it fast Before operation.

“Many comments asked why there was no explanation In consultation”, writes the publication, Casado Pineda then goes on to solve the problem: “Because it takes 2 minutes and we are lucky to have 10 times per patient to do it Complete pre-anesthesia assessment,

Now this is impossible. “

Therefore, the anesthetist recorded in the video the two minutes needed to explain the topic: “An empty stomach is important because when we give anesthesia – whether it is general anesthesia or sedation – “You’ve lost your respiratory reflexes.”

“This is called aspiration pneumonia, and it’s one of the biggest worries for anesthesiologists.”

In this way, it does not seem to solve many problems for the average patient.To this end, Casado Pineda explains: “They are protective reflex For example, if you are choking, you will cough. Because you have innate airway protection. “

But after being anesthetized, we lose these responses.And if we are not fasting and have food in our stomach, it can Go up and reach the lungs. “This is called aspiration pneumonia“This is one of the biggest fears of all anesthesiologists,” said Dr. Casado Pineda. “This could be a serious complications even request Admission to intensive care unit

“, Add to.

emergency action

“If you can’t keep fasting times But did you do the surgery under anesthesia? asked the anesthesiologist. “Before any surgery, the anesthesiologist evaluates Risk/Reward. And if it can be postponed until fasting time, then do it. But not if you get shot in the stomach or break your leg in a traffic accident. “

“What’s more risky? Are you at risk of inhaling a bronchodilator or bleeding yourself?” he explained, remembering that in emergency surgery, Additional measures and precautions

Try to prevent this from happening.

Prevention is better than cure

Again the anesthesiologist answered another question: If I just Do they sting in the back? “because Every surgery can be complex”, he replied decisively. “Local anesthesia may fail; you may need Convert to general anesthesia Because the surgery had to be done again…” he added.

“So to get into the operating room you always have to Have all the security. One of them is that if you have to have general anesthesia or sedation for any reason, it’s best to avoid getting into that situation,” he said.